Even tax-gatherers came to be baptized, and said to John: "Teacher, what are we to do?"
For, if you love only those who love you, what reward will you have? Even the tax-gatherers do this!
Meanwhile the tax-gatherer stood at a distance, not venturing even 'to raise his eyes to Heaven'; but he kept striking his breast and saying 'O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
"What are we to do then?" the people asked.
"Do not collect more than you have authority to demand," John answered.
(All the people, when they heard this, and even the tax- gatherers, having accepted John's baptism, acknowledged the justice of God.
When the people heard this, they were conscience-smitten, and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles: "Brothers, what can we do?"